A message from Chancellor Guskiewicz: Commencement 2022
Members of the Class of 2022 have taken challenging classes, deepened friendships, completed research projects, finished internships, studied abroad and so much more.
Dear Carolina Community,
On Sunday, we will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2022. After the pandemic and its delays to traditional in-person gatherings, this celebration has a particular sense of joy and excitement. This Class has been through so much and I can’t wait to look out at that sea of Carolina blue in Kenan Stadium.
The Class of 2022 consists of 3,894 undergraduates and 2,263 graduate and professional students. Almost 5,000 of them are from the state of North Carolina. Nearly 530 are Carolina Covenant Scholars and 788 are the first in their family to graduate from college. They have taken challenging classes, deepened friendships, completed research projects, finished internships, studied abroad and so much more. They’ve navigated a world that is challenging the mental health of young people and the civic health of our society. Through it all, they’ve stayed focused and remembered the goals that brought them to Carolina in the first place.
We will hear New York Times columnist and Carolina graduate Frank Bruni talk about what he believes is the most useful tool for navigating life. I know our students, their families and everyone listening will benefit from his wisdom and experience.
I will say this to the graduates on Sunday, but I want to reiterate it here to our entire community. My goal as chancellor is that our graduates will always be proud to take photos in front of the Old Well. No matter where life takes them, I hope to see them out there telling the stories of Carolina, connecting with old friends and advocating for the University of the People. It’s what I hope for every member of this community: that you will be proud to live, work and study here and visit this magical place as often as possible.
Sunday’s graduation would not be possible without our incredible faculty and amazing staff. Thank you for making our mission of preparing the next generation to solve the grand challenges of our time possible.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Guskiewicz
Chancellor
